Kayla Beale, Junior Program Analyst for PMS 326

Years with TMB: 2 Years

Q: What brought you to TMB? How did you get to where you are at today?

A: My cousin recommended the job to me. I had an interest in working with the military, and it was a good opportunity for a starter position. I helped with travel originally, but I did such a good job that the Egypt team wanted me to work with them permanently.

Q: What are you most proud of that you have done at this company so far?

A: The relationships we have built with our customers and our allied foreign militaries and being a part of that has been really rewarding. Learning the ins and outs of working with foreign militaries and our own military has been a pleasure. Being able to learn a little about the engineering of ships and understand some engineering terminology through my work responsibilities is an accomplishment for sure.

Q: What is your favorite memory at TMB so far?

A: My favorite memory at TMB was having the opportunity as a junior level employee to travel to Egypt for PMS 326. Being trusted with that responsibility was significant. Seeing the pyramids was amazing and seeing the Mediterranean Sea as we drove around the area and when I woke up every morning was a bonus.

Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working?

A: I enjoy volunteer firefighting for Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company. I also enjoy doing sporty activities such as hiking, and I especially enjoy Raven’s Rock Trail. Playing sports like flag football, softball, and longboarding are some other sports I like. Exploring wineries in Loudoun County and hanging out with my dogs are how I spend my weekends.

Q: What woman inspires you? Who is the most influential woman you know, and how do they inspire you?

A: My grandma inspires me because she is a very accomplished woman who always encouraged us to pursue our dreams and was very supportive of the many sports and other activities my siblings and I were a part of. Additionally, my former JMU professor, Dr. Manal Jamal, spiked my interest in Middle East policy and international affairs. She helped me practice my Arabic and she also led the study abroad trip I did to Israel / Palestine.

Q: Do you have a woman mentor or female higherup that supported you in this field?

A: Nancy Beard has been my mentor in this field. She is my mentor in every sense of the word. She has helped me navigate being a new employee and introduced me to the world of Foreign Military Sales. Nancy always provides great advice on work related tasks as well as providing life advice. Her best advice to date is the importance of keeping a work-life balance.

Q: Why do we need more women in the field of Foreign Military Sales and Defense Contracting?

A: Having more women in the workplace brings about a different perspective. If you only have one type of person in an industry or from a certain background, you only get one perspective on how things can work, how things are run, etc. A more diverse workforce makes for better ideas and better companies. Diversity makes for a better work environment and space for learning.

Q: What advice or comments would you give to women looking to work in this field?

A: My advice would be to always be open to new opportunities that make you uncomfortable, because feeling uncomfortable makes you learn. Learning new things makes you a better person and employee. Lean into the discomfort. I try to remind myself of this every day. Do not be afraid to ask questions, and always be learning something new.

Q: What energizes you at work?

A: The coffee from Bluestone Lane Navy Yard Coffee Shop.

Q: What is the best work-related advice you have ever received?

A: The best advice I ever received was to be a lifelong learner and let go of the idea of perfection.

~ Katie Flowers